ProCalcs Blog

"You don't know what you don't know." Here we talk about topics and common issues relating to HVAC design and your home. For understanding the "why's" and "how's," ProCalcs Blog is here to help.

HVAC Permit Rejected? Common Reasons and What to Do Next

By Marie Solpico / October 8, 2026

HVAC permit rejected or returned with correction comments? You submitted your plans to the building department, but instead of approval, you received a notice asking for changes to the HVAC documentation. Does that mean you have to start over? Not necessarily. A request for corrections often means the reviewer needs additional information, clarification, or updated…

Commercial HVAC Permit Requirements: What to Submit

By Marie Solpico / September 25, 2026

Quick disclaimer: This article explains commercial HVAC permit requirements in general terms and is for informational purposes only. Requirements vary by state, county and city, and codes change. Always confirm what your building department needs before you submit. Commercial HVAC permit requirements: the short answer The lease is signed. The build-out drawings are nearly done.…

Converting a House to a Commercial Office: HVAC Load Guide

By Marie Solpico / August 20, 2026

The building is unchanged. The parking stalls where the lawn used to be are the only clue that the load isn’t. The short answer Converting a house to commercial office space changes the HVAC load even when nothing about the building changes. Three things move: ventilation becomes a code obligation, internal gains from people, lighting…

Heat Pump vs Straight Cool AC in Florida: Which Is Better?

By Marie Solpico / August 5, 2026

Quick disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Equipment costs, incentive programs, and code requirements change over time, and every home has a different load. Always confirm system selection and sizing with a licensed HVAC professional and a project-specific load calculation. ProCalcs LLC assumes no…

AC Blowing Air But Not Cold? Here’s Why β€” and What to Check Before You Call a Pro

By Marie Solpico / July 28, 2026

Quick disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. HVAC systems involve electrical and refrigerant hazards. Always consult a licensed HVAC technician for repairs, and never attempt work you’re not comfortable performing. ProCalcs LLC assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content. It’s the…

HVAC for New Construction: Get the Spec Right Before the Build

By Marie Solpico / July 21, 2026

The heating and cooling system is one of the few decisions in a new home that is expensive to fix once the drywall goes up. Crews bury the ducts in the walls, size and order the equipment, and fix the thermostat location. Getting HVAC for new construction right is a design-phase decision, not an install-day…

AC Stopped Working? 2026 Repair Delays and R-410A Costs

By Marie Solpico / July 14, 2026

Your AC stopped working. It’s the oldest summer story there is. But if it happens to you this year, you’re walking into a version of it that no homeowner has faced before. Record-breaking heat. A nationwide shortage of HVAC technicians. And a once-in-a-generation refrigerant transition that is quietly rewriting the price tag on both repairs…

Commercial HVAC Case Study: A Tenant Fit-Out Project

By Marie Solpico / May 28, 2026

The job most commercial tenants don’t see coming A pet grooming spa signs a lease on a 1,716 square foot retail space in Utah, a typical commercial tenant fit-out HVAC project. The shell is built. The landlord is providing a packaged rooftop unit. The build-out drawings are nearly complete. Permit submission is days away. Then…

Residential Renovation HVAC Design: What to Know First

By Marie Solpico / May 6, 2026

Residential renovation season brings a familiar rhythm: blueprints on the table, contractors lining up trades, homeowners picking finishes. What often gets scheduled last β€” sometimes not at all β€” is HVAC design. That is a problem. And it tends to show up right after drywall goes up. Kitchen remodels, additions, garage conversions, window replacements, insulation…

Commercial HVAC Case Study: Fixing an Installed System Without Redesign

By Marie Solpico / March 26, 2026

Based on a real commercial project   HVAC systems are sometimes installed before final design calculations are completed. When that happens, projects can face permit issues, delays, or costly redesigns. This is a common issue in commercial HVAC projects where installation moves ahead of finalized design. In this case study, we walk through how we…